New To Me 1880's Fagnus Revolver

[Jackal]

So, my local shop took this in today and I couldnt help myself... It was just odd enough to come home with me. So, from what I can gather, its a Fagnus 11mm double action made in Belgium. It very hard to find info on these, there doesnt seem to be much out there about them. It appears to be chambered for 11mm French, is there any ammo or substitutes that could be used? It is mechanically functional. I love how all the internals, even the flat spring are jeweled. They way the frame hinges out to the side as well is very interesting, holding the grip in place mechanically and not using screws.

Does anyone have any info about these? I think its a fascinating revolver, I'd love to hear others opinions and experiences.

 

[mcb]

That is a cool old revolver. Wish I would find revolver like that when I hit the FLGS. Sorry I can't help with any info but that looks like a cool find.

 

[Mizar]

You should really bookmark this site: http://www.littlegun.be/index.htm
The information about that gunmaker is rudimentary, but it's a start. Do a google search for "A. Fagnus et Cie" - it will show some results. According to the author at littlegun.be, the same revolver is of .45 caliber, so I suppose that the 11mm French Ordnance cartridge is a safe bet. Bellow are links with some info on Alexander Fagnus revolvers.

http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/artisans identifies e f bis/a fagnus gb.htm
http://www.littlegun.be/ma_collection/belgique/be fghij/a be fagnus a fr.htm
http://www.littlegun.be/ma_collection/belgique/be fghij/a be fagnus court gb.htm

In "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Handguns: Pistols and Revolvers of the World 1870 to the Present" by A. B. Zhuk this revolver is listed as: "285 'Saint-Etienne', Chamelot-Delvigne type; maker unknown. 11mm." on page 50.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Awesome!

Buffalo Arms has 11mm French Revolver components and dies.

 

[bannockburn]

Jackal

Oddly enough I just came across this revolver while looking for info on some other revolvers from the same time period! Very interesting design; like the swing-out sideplate mechanism.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

http://www.gadcustomcartridges.com/#pistol

Gad's Custom Cartridges has 11mm French Ordinance listed for $40/box. You have to pay with a personal check.

The 11mm French Ordinance was not a particularly potent cartridge and was later replaced with the also ineffective 8mm FO cartridge. However the effectiveness of the cartridge has absolutely no bearing on the gun factor! That is a nice old gun yo have there. Enjoy!

I have an interest in old European designs too. Here's my French 1892.

French Ordinance 1892, 8mm Lebel.

• Zaydok Allen
• Oct 20, 2016

Built in 1912

 

[Zaydok Allen]

In "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Handguns: Pistols and Revolvers of the World 1870 to the Present" by A. B. Zhuk this revolver is listed as: "285 'Saint-Etienne', Chamelot-Delvigne type; maker unknown. 11mm." on page 50.

It certainly looks related to the French Ordinance Model of 1873 doesn't it?

 

[Mizar]

It sure does, but minus the hinged side plate and the quick disassembly lever. If I remember correctly, the French M1892 revolver had similar side plate, but it still required a screwdriver for disassembly.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

It sure does, but minus the hinged side plate and the quick disassembly lever. If I remember correctly, the French M1892 revolver had similar side plate, but it still required a screwdriver for disassembly.

Correct on the 1892. The one of mine pictured above shows it on the upper left where the web of your hand would contact the backstrap. By unscrewing it on the side visible, the other side would open up. Which reminds me, I need to open mine up and clean it.

The Fagnus revolver makes me think of a little more refined and thought out French 1873.

 

[bannockburn]

460Shooter

Fine looking French M1892! Always wanted one just for the fun of it but never got around to it. Nowadays they appear to be priced in the stratosphere and way beyond what I would want to spend on one.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

460Shooter

Fine looking French M1892! Always wanted one just for the fun of it but never got around to it. Nowadays they appear to be priced in the stratosphere and way beyond what I would want to spend on one.

Thanks man. Yeah it wasn't cheap but it's one of the best conditioned ones I've ever seen. Built in 1912 though, so not as desireable as some.

Been meaning to pick up some ammo for awhile. Fiocchi makes some now and then.

 

[Lyle Wyatt]

Ian of Forgotten Weapons did a video on a Fagnus revolver, don't know if it is the same model as yours.

 

[Slamfire]

Never seen one before, but real interesting revolver. The designer really prioritized simple cleaning and maintenance. That pistol would be a lot easier to clean than a Colt SAA. I have taken down blackpowder revolvers, all the way down, to clean out the lockworks. There are too many screws to be lost and too many screwdrivers needed. Your revolver, flip a lever and wipe the internals down. Great design.

 

[WestKentucky]

Stinking cool gun. Is the barrel one piece? Seems a very difficult to manufacture setup if it is as the entire gun also seems to be essentially one large intricate piece with a few moving bits attached.

 

[armoredman]

Nifty wheelgun sir, thanks for sharing.